The excellence and awesome musicianship of the iconic, late, great Prince Rogers Nelson continues to shine on the compilation, ‘Originals.’ 

On April 21, 2016, the world lost an icon in Prince.  The death of the incredibly versatile musician ranks among the most shocking in entertainment history.  But, despite the tragic loss, he left a vault full of unreleased music. While it seems unlikely he would’ve ever released Piano & A Microphone, 1983 or the latest effort, Originals, it does give listeners music that they’ve never heard from a ‘once in a lifetime’ artist and visionary.  Listening to Originals, one continues to be in awe of what Prince Rogers Nelson had to offer from a musical standpoint.  A Billboard article, Prince’s ‘Originals’ Album: Comparing Each Demo with Its Well-Known Cover Version, penned by contributor Morgan Enos, provides further insight into Originals. 

“Sex Shooter”

“I’m a sex shooter / Shootin’ love in your direction / I’m a sex shooter / Come and play with my affections.” Prince commences Originals with the marvelous ✓ “Sex Shooter,” which was recorded by Apollonia 6 back in 1984 (Apollonia 6).  What makes “Sex Shooter” shine are the sleek, rhythmic synths, that signature groove ‘The Purple One’ is renowned for, as well as his lead vocals, chocked-full of personality.  If you were unfamiliar with the version recorded by someone else, this take by the songwriter himself would easily earn definitive honors.  Things remain ‘funked-up to the nth degree’ on the infectious ✓ “Jungle Love,” made famous by The Time. The listener continues to get ample personality from the icon, including the can’t-miss backing vocals singing, “Oh-wee-oh-wee-oh.” Furthermore, that guitar lick – marvelous, marvelous, marvelous! 

✓ “Manic Monday” was famously recorded by The Bangles in 1986, serving as the opener on their sophomore album, A Different Light.  Again, this was another example of a hit that Prince gave to someone else.  In his own hands, the incredibly catchy, well-written song sounds as if he’d have no problem making it a hit in his own right. “Noon Rendezvous” keeps Originals ripe, though takes a subtler approach compared to the three songs preceding it.  “Noon Rendezvous” appeared as the third track on the seven-song, 1984 Sheila E. album, The Glamorous Life.

“Make-Up”

Prince keeps it short but incredibly sweet and fun on the up-tempo “Make-Up,” which ended up in the hands of Vanity 6 in 1982.  “Make-Up” stands out here because it highlights both eccentric genius and that sense of androgyny he possessed, particularly in the 1980s. Things grow funkier on “100 MPH,” which is filled with glorious bass, guitar, and synth riffs.  Like the rest of these originals, in his hands, the song sounds stellar.  He does wonders with follow-up “You’re My Love”, made famous by Kenny Rogers in 1986 (They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To).  The production is light but incredibly effective, allowing for The Purple One’s colorful, nuanced vocals to be the focal point. 

“‘Cause I’m bad, good god / And if you got a big enough stick / Come on over, baby, to the holly rock / Don’t you wanna learn a new trick?” ✓ “Holly Rock,” another song penned for Sheila E., arrives as the lengthiest song on Originals.  Even so, it ranks among the crème de la crème, with a case for the crowning achievement.  Sort of like the aforementioned “Make-Up,” it finds Prince showcasing his more eccentric, wilder side. It’s a high flying, funky as hell joint that once again, Prince could’ve made a hit in his own right. ✓ “Baby, You’re a Trip” has a hard act to follow, but the soulful ballad continues to consistency of Originals without a hitch.  In addition to the sound, Prince spoils us with his distinct, one-of-a-kind pipes.  Recording so many ballads like this one, again, you can envision he success that could’ve been had in his own hands.

“The Glamorous Life”

✓ “The Glamorous Life” revisits the 1984 Sheila E. album (The Glamorous Life) that the aforementioned “Noon Rendezvous” hailed from. The result? Success, success, success – who’s shocked? Prince does wonders with another gem given to The Time, ✓ “Gigolos Get Lonely Too,” from 1982. “Contrary to the rumor, gigolos get lonely too (yes they do),” he sings on the chorus of the smooth R&B number, continuing, “All my lovers need stimulation / But honey, babe, I think that I need you.” “Love… Thy Will Be Done” moves beyond the 80s to the 90s. The contrast in sound an era is welcome on Originals.  Prince continues to slaughter on the Martika hit (Martika’s Kitchen). The vocal harmonies are particularly decadent.

“Dear Michaelangelo”

Once more, Sheila E was given a masterpiece by Prince. “Dear Michaelangelo” keeps Originals quite a memorable, truly rewarding listening experience.  In addition to exceptional songwriting, “Dear Michaelangelo” is well-produced and masterfully performed.  Penultimate joint “Wouldn’t You Love to Love Me?” doesn’t quite possess the same production finesse, even though the musical ideas are as genius and savvy as everything else gracing Originals.  Even if the quality isn’t top-notch, the glory of Prince continues without a hitch. Vocally, he’s sensational. 

When Prince’s original studio version of ✓ “Nothing Compares 2 U” as released as a single in 2018, Matt Miller of Esquire Magazine described it as “fucking incredible”.  The original is indeed EPIC, exemplifying the icon at his best.  His vocal tone is distinct and pure, perfectly suited for his own melody.  The overall vocal performance is nuanced, filled with emotion and personality.  The falsetto – magnificent.  Adding to the allure is the production, namely the beefy guitars, pummeling drums, the soulful saxophone solo (Eric Leeds), and the supporting vocals backing the masterful lead.  Fittingly, “Nothing Compares 2 U” concludes Originals.

Final Thoughts 

Comparing Prince compilations seems counterproductive. That said, as great as Piano & A Microphone, 1983 was (piano and voice), it’s even more alluring hearing The Purple One’s original versions of these hit songs with full instrumentation. There are contrasts from the ‘covers’ in some cases, while in others, they’re quite similar, but again, the impression given is that Rogers Nelson would’ve had even more hits on his hands if he were truly selfish. Originals is an incredible project, period.

✓ Gems: “Sex Shooter,” “Jungle Love,” “Manic Monday,” “Holly Rock,” “Baby, You’re a Trip,” “The Glamorous Life,” “Gigolos Get Lonely Too” & “Nothing Compares 2 U” 

Prince • Originals • Warner Bros. • Release: 6.21.19

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.